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trench

noun

ˈtrench How to pronounce trench (audio)
Definition of trenchnext
as in ditch
a long narrow channel dug in the earth dug a trench and filled it with water in an attempt to keep the forest fire off her property

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of trench One person died after becoming trapped in a trench near Hickman in Stanislaus County on Friday morning. — Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026 Firefighters hacked through wood, slate and concrete trench lines, a process the Reserve Organization of America says likely generated silica-containing dust. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2026 The funnel neck jacket, whether in the form of a classic trench or a sporty windbreaker, is inescapable this fall. — Jennifer Hussein, InStyle, 5 Sep. 2026 The front office also re-signed key interior trench pieces, keeping offensive guard Sam Cosmi locked up alongside defensive tackle Daron Payne, while adding offensive line depth with veteran additions to protect Daniels. — David Troy Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trench
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trench
  1. ditch
  2. gutter
  3. ravine
Noun
  • Hundreds of British troops crisscrossed fields with thousands of metres of razor wire and dug a long ditch that was later partially filled with water to act as a moat to keep the Protestant marchers away from the Catholic enclave.
    — Amanda Ferguson Reuters, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Much of the stone used to construct Hadrian’s Wall and its forts and milecastles was recycled over the centuries, but the stone footings largely remain, as do the flanking ditches.
    — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of ditch
Noun
  • Having never cleaned my rain gutters since becoming a homeowner five years ago, I was stunned to learn that this annoying task should be completed once, if not twice, a year.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Haddad says that anything from gutters to flashing or even a nearby air conditioner can cause rust on vinyl siding.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of gutter
Noun
  • The National Park and World Biosphere Reserve affords nearly 10 miles to hike amid towering ravine walls, flowing streams, and dense forests.
    — Jennifer Tzeses, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Many more were imperiled by muddy water racing through the narrow ravines, sparking frantic rescue missions for dozens.
    — Holly Yan, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of ravine

Phrases Containing trench

Browse Nearby Words

tremulous
trench
trenchancy
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Cite this Entry

“Trench.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trench. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on trench

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trench

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